Microcement vs. polished concrete: the concrete look without the limitations

It is an image that appeals to many: a sleek polished concrete floor, raw and timeless. We understand the attraction. There is something calming about that look. But in practice, polished concrete is far from always feasible. The limitations are technical, practical and financial. Below, we explain why microcement is the smarter alternative and what goes into it technically.

The problem: build-up height

A polished concrete floor, often called residential concrete, typically requires a minimum thickness of 7 to 9 centimetres, including reinforcement and underfloor heating. For a self-supporting floor, that rises to 15 to 20 cm. Those are centimetres that simply do not exist in many homes. Doors need trimming, thresholds adjusting, and in the worst case the ceiling height of the floor below is compromised.

When renovating a 1930s home or a period property, this becomes a serious obstacle. The existing floor structure is often not designed to bear the weight of a concrete slab. That means additional structural work, higher costs and a longer construction timeline.

Microcement as an alternative

Microcement offers the same clean concrete aesthetic, but with a build-up of just 3 millimetres. That is the difference between a major renovation and a seamless transformation. And it makes no difference whether it is a new build or a renovation: microcement is applicable virtually everywhere.

In older properties, we first install a lightweight dry screed as a stable base. In newer homes, we start directly on the existing screed. In both cases, doors rarely need trimming. The load on the structure is negligible, which makes microcement equally suitable for upper floors and even walls.

The visual result is virtually identical to polished concrete. The characteristic cloudy patterning, the subtle colour variation, the raw aesthetic: it is all there. But without the limitations of a traditional concrete floor.

Preventing cracks

A common concern with concrete floors: cracking. With polished concrete, that risk is real. Concrete shrinks as it cures, and that shrinkage creates tension in the material. Even with contraction joints, hairline cracks remain a concern.

We approach it differently. Across the entire surface, we apply a reinforcement layer. Not just at vulnerable points such as transitions and corners, but wall to wall. This fibreglass mesh distributes stress evenly across the whole surface and prevents localised cracking. It provides a strength you cannot see, but that is always there.

In addition, we use flexible resin formulations that move with the natural behaviour of the substrate. Where concrete is rigid and cracks under stress, microcement remains elastic. This makes the system particularly suited to homes with underfloor heating, where temperature fluctuations create additional stress.

The Forcrete Belt and Braces system

Our Forcrete system, known as the "belt and braces" system, consists of seven carefully applied layers, each with its own function. The base layers provide adhesion and reinforcement. The middle layers form the decorative surface. The top layers protect against wear and moisture.

The result is a floor that is not only strong and durable, but also fully waterproof. Not splash-proof, but suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and even shower enclosures without additional sealing. The waterproofing is in the material itself, not in a coating that may wear over time.

Suitable for every room

Because microcement is applied seamlessly, it creates a continuous surface without joints or transitions. That makes the floor hygienic and easy to maintain. From open-plan kitchens to bathrooms, from offices to retail spaces: microcement adapts to the room, not the other way around.

We also apply microcement to walls, worktops and staircases. The possibilities are virtually unlimited. And because the material is available in any RAL or NCS colour, it suits any interior.

Seven layers, 3 millimetres thick, fully waterproof. No compromises, no half measures. Exactly how we work.

Read also

Why we chose Forcrete - the system behind our approach. How tough is microcement? - a personal stress test. Frequently asked questions - everything you need to know. Get in touch for free advice on your project.